There’s a statue in Roland Garros, on the southwestern outskirts of Paris, France. It was erected in 2021 to honor Rafael Nadal, 37, of Spain, who won the French Open 14 times. No player has ever been as dominant as Nadal at a single tennis major.
But the ‘King of Clay’ won’t be at Roland Garros this year. He won”t be competing in the tournament for the first time in 19 years, since 2004. The reason: a hip injury. “Roland Garros will always be Roland Garros, with or without me, there’s no doubt about it,” Nadal told The Associated Press (AP) on Friday. There’s no doubt about that,” he said, vowing to play Roland Garros one last time before retiring in 2024. Nadal has been “unbeatable” at the French Open, winning 112 out of 115 matches. Last year, he won the title despite many skeptics.
Who will be crowned the new emperor at the French Open (which starts on Aug. 28) without clay shoes? Carlos Alcaraz (20, Spain), the world No. 1 토토사이트 on the ATP Tour, is the favorite. Spaniards like Nadal and Alcaraz have been playing on clay from a young age and are particularly strong at the French Open. Alcaraz, who won the U.S. Open last year, has four tour wins this year. Danil Medvedev (RUSSIA-World No. 2), who won the Rome Open, a French Open precursor, is one of Alcaraz’s main rivals.
The 36-year-old veteran Novak Djokovic (Serbia-World No. 3) will be looking to break the record for most major titles. After winning this year’s Australian Open, he is tied with Nadal for the most major titles (22). His recent setback with a right elbow injury is a factor. “I’m very happy with my career so far, but I’m still thirsty to win,” Djokovic said.
In the women’s singles, world number one Iga Cibionte (Poland) will be looking to win her second consecutive title. Australian Open winner Arina Savalenka (Belarus, No. 2) and Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan, No. 4) are also among the favorites.
